Si Clauses Type 1 — Real Conditions & Future Plans

Why This Matters for Your Exam

Si clauses appear in nearly every DELF B1 writing task — describing plans, making proposals, or discussing consequences. TCF oral exams frequently ask "Que feriez-vous si...?" — but Type 1 (real, likely conditions) is the one you need for talking about genuine future plans. Getting the tense combination right is a guaranteed scoring criterion.

🦝 Remy says: "Si clauses are like a recipe: the si-clause is your ingredient, the result clause is what you cook. Get the recipe right and the examiner gives you full marks!"

---

Core Lesson

Formula

[Si + Présent → Futur Simple] — for likely, real conditions

[Si + Présent → Impératif] — for instructions or advice

This combination signals that the condition is realistic and achievable — the speaker genuinely expects it might happen.

Examples — Si + Présent, Futur Simple

Si-clause (condition)	Result clause (consequence)
Si tu étudies chaque jour,	tu réussiras ton examen.
S'il fait beau demain,	nous irons à la plage.
Si vous arrivez tôt,	vous aurez une bonne place.
Si elle travaille ici,	elle gagnera bien sa vie.

Examples — Si + Présent, Impératif

• Si tu as faim, mange quelque chose.
• S'il pleut, prends ton parapluie.
• Si vous êtes fatigués, reposez-vous.

CRITICAL RULE — Never Conditionnel in the Si-Clause

This is the #1 error at B1 level. The si-clause never contains conditionnel or futur:

❌ WRONG	✅ CORRECT
Si tu voudrais venir...	Si tu veux venir...
Si il fera beau...	Si il fait beau...
Si nous aurions le temps...	Si nous avons le temps...

🦝 Remy says: "Remember: the si-clause is the condition, not the wish. Keep it in the présent — neutral and factual. The conditionnel belongs in the OTHER clause. This rule alone will save you points on every exam!"

Contrast: Type 1 vs Type 2 (Preview)

Type	Si-clause	Result clause	Meaning
Type 1	Présent	Futur / Impératif	Real, possible condition
Type 2 (Day 7)	Imparfait	Conditionnel présent	Unreal, imaginary

---

---

---

---

🎯 Today's Challenge

Write 2 original Type 1 si clause sentences:

• One about your exam preparation plans.
• One about a travel scenario (e.g., visiting France, a city trip).

---

⭐ Key Takeaways

• Formula: Si + présent → futur simple (or impératif). This combination signals a real, likely condition — use it for genuine plans and predictions.
• The golden rule: NEVER put conditionnel or futur in the si-clause. This error is penalised on every DELF and TCF grammar section.
• Type 1 vs Type 2: Type 1 = realistic future; Type 2 (Day 7) = imaginary/unreal. Examiners test this distinction in both reading comprehension and expression écrite.